Thank you for the article of Aug. 21 regarding events at Malibu Stage Company. Needed corrections are:
There was never a board vote on Ms. Bridgman, who tendered her resignation days prior to our recent June board meeting and declined to attend the meeting, so the board did not vote to extend her term, which expired. Three board members associated with Zuma Repertory Theatre were added to the MSC board at the June board meeting. There were no members of Zuma Rep on the MSC board prior to this.
Richard Johnson is the artistic director of Zuma Repertory Theatre, and not for Malibu Stage Company. Malibu Stage Company currently does not have an artistic director, and is seeking to remedy this.
Zuma Repertory Theatre was approved by the board in May, 2007, not earlier this year as was stated. They hold weekly scene study/meetings at MSC on Monday nights. Zuma Repertory staged its first two productions in January and June of this year.
Zuma Repertory Company is a professional theatre company, using professional actors, and has been deservedly reviewed as such, and as a result, very well attended. Neither Marowitz nor Safdie attended either of their shows, so are unqualified to comment on them. Richard Johnson has built a “community of supporters” who helped with every aspect of their productions, defraying expenses, and garnering much vested interest in their success. That involves a large group of volunteers and is perhaps the community of which Marowitz and Safdie speak.
A 99-seat theatre company cannot survive without the help and funding of its community. Richard Johnson has found a way to get the community involved that has allowed for profits on plays, a first in the history of Malibu Stage Company. Our expanded and revitalized board members are participating at higher levels than ever. Our recent productions have been better attended than ever, and we are about to announce our first season subscription series ever. All of this will make for an exciting and engaging schedule for our patrons. In giving something of value to this community, we hope to continue with this success and to attract more patrons, volunteers, and very importantly, donations that are warranted by our continued good work.
Geoffrey Ortiz, chairman of the board
Malibu Stage Company